Drain flies – also known as sink flies or sewer gnats – are small, furry flies which can live around your drains. These tiny creatures, which are 2-5 mm long, thrive on stagnant water, food debris and warm environments, meaning that your kitchen sink can be an ideal habitat for them if there are food remnants in there.

What are the problems associated with drain flies?

Drain flies don’t bite or carry disease. However, a few individuals can multiply to become a bothersome infestation, so it’s in your best interests to act fast and get rid of the flies quickly. In fact, one fly can lay between 30 and 100 eggs, so sorting the problem promptly is best to avoid swarms of drain flies in your kitchen.

Where do drain flies like to live?

Drain flies are particularly attracted to pipes which have some food debris in them. This is easily done – you rinse a plate in the sink, and small pieces of food are likely to swill down the drain. However, if this debris isn’t cleared promptly and the food is allowed to sit in the drain pipes, you’re at risk of becoming quite the attraction to those pesky flies, according to The Spruce.

How can I get rid of them?

This is one of those situations where prevention is better than cure. Ensuring that your drains are running freely and there’s no buildup of old food and stagnant water is key. Swish a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drains to give them a good clean, and pour a kettle full of boiling water down the drain each day to keep buildup at bay.

If you suspect a deeper blockage in your drains, a CCTV drain survey Nottingham, offered by specialists such as www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/nottingham/, can help by peering deep inside your pipes to find any hidden blockages.

Once your drains are clear, you can trap any remaining flies using a cup of apple cider vinegar. Keep drains dry going forward.